Burning too much oil between changes

I don't know what would be considered a normal amount of oil to be used between changes but my 08 w/5.3l seems to be going through too much.Since I've had the truck,about 7.5 months,I've changed to oil once converting it over to Amsoil.When I changed it I noticed the level was lower than what I expected on the dipstick,like 2 quarts low,and the oil life meter is showing it's almost time for another change but I had to add a quart about 3 weeks ago because it was down.
How much oil are you guys noticing your trucks are using?

I don't know what would be considered a normal amount of oil to be used between changes but my 08 w/5.3l seems to be going through too much.Since I've had the truck,about 7.5 months,I've changed to oil once converting it over to Amsoil.When I changed it I noticed the level was lower than what I expected on the dipstick,like 2 quarts low,and the oil life meter is showing it's almost time for another change but I had to add a quart about 3 weeks ago because it was down.
How much oil are you guys noticing your trucks are using?

How much oil does it use the first 3K miles after oil change?

Any leaks or blue smoke out tail pipe?

More that 1qt in 2000 miles is too much. GM has had problems with oil consumption in the AFM (Active Fuel Management) engines since they came out. Problems with oil rings sticking and there is a bulliten out to install a updated valve cover that relocates the PCV oil drain and also has the pistons cleaned of carbon.

I don't know what would be considered a normal amount of oil to be used between changes but my 08 w/5.3l seems to be going through too much.Since I've had the truck,about 7.5 months,I've changed to oil once converting it over to Amsoil.When I changed it I noticed the level was lower than what I expected on the dipstick,like 2 quarts low,and the oil life meter is showing it's almost time for another change but I had to add a quart about 3 weeks ago because it was down.
How much oil are you guys noticing your trucks are using?

if you have DOD 5.3L engine this is a defect. after owners have 40,ooomi the engine begin using 1 qt at the 2,ooomi point. this then continues to increase .

being a common failure some owners get a programer to disable the DOD by way of the PCM programing changes. this stops the damage.

also this causes all kinds of transmission issues and drivability .

having no DOD on my 2000 5.3L with 139,ooomi it uses less than a qt at the 8,ooomi mobil 1 synthetic oil change interval.

oil life monitor does not mean the oil is good or bad. this is a guage based on engine history , not oil condition.

Is it normal to add oil between changes? Let's see, last Friday my 2000, 5.3 rolled past 240,000 miles, I change the oil every time my message center tells me to and I never have to add oil in between changes. I believe this is the 15 the time I changed the oil since I bought it in 2005 using nothing but Valvoline High Mileage oil. Oh, and yes, my truck has the piston slap since day one.....

A bad PCV system will cause a shortage of oil, and lead up to premature, or aged bad valve stem seals.

We use 4.5 quarts of Mobile1 5w/30w & change oil/filter every 10k miles without any oil shortage. 2005/Mazda Tribute/170k miles.

How much oil does it use the first 3K miles after oil change?

Any leaks or blue smoke out tail pipe?

Just recently I took to looking when I start the truck up and I have noticed a puff of smoke every so often out of the tail pipe.I asked this oil burning question about this truck with this engine because I have had older vehicles in the past and recognize the symptoms of bad valve seals or slack rings but wasn't figuring this engine would have either of those issues as it only has about 70000 kms on it.

I know every engine is different some smoke from day one some never burn a drop of oil but I didn't know if there could be other causes to the oil use I'm seeing like a bad PVC valve or some other issues.I have to take the truck back to the dealer in a week or so to have a couple of bad hinges replaced and a faulty power folding mirror fixed so I will get the mechanics to check for some of these things to see if anything shows up.

if you have DOD 5.3L engine this is a defect. after owners have 40,ooomi the engine begin using 1 qt at the 2,ooomi point. this then continues to increase .

being a common failure some owners get a programer to disable the DOD by way of the PCM programing changes. this stops the damage.

also this causes all kinds of transmission issues and drivability .

having no DOD on my 2000 5.3L with 139,ooomi it uses less than a qt at the 8,ooomi mobil 1 synthetic oil change interval.

oil life monitor does not mean the oil is good or bad. this is a guage based on engine history , not oil condition.
Could you elaborate on what a DOD engine is please?Is this a particular engine code because I know there is about 3 different 5.3 engines listed for this truck,at least here in Canada one of which is the flexfuel one that I don't have.Thanks

Could you elaborate on what a DOD engine is please?Is this a particular engine code because I know there is about 3 different 5.3 engines listed for this truck,at least here in Canada one of which is the flexfuel one that I don't have.Thanks

Displacement on Demand (DoD) System Description AKA: AFM active fuel management

System Operation (http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/dod_oil_path.htm#ss1-1417658)

General Motors Displacement on Demand® (DoD) engine control system has the ability, under certain light load driving conditions, to provide maximum fuel economy by deactivating four of the engines eight cylinders. The engine will normally operate on eight cylinders in V8 mode during, starting, idling, and medium or heavy throttle conditions. When commanded ON, the powertrain control module (PCM) will direct the DoD system and deactivate cylinders one and seven on the left bank and cylinders four and six on the right bank, forcing V4 mode. Refer to Lubrication Description (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=133772&RefDoc=1417658&evc=sm) and Displacement on Demand (DoD) System Description (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=134661&RefDoc=1417658&evc=sm) in Engine Controls - 5.3L.
Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly (http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/dod_oil_path.htm#ss2-1417658)


http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/images/oilpath.jpg


The valve lifter oil manifold assembly (1) is bolted to the top of the engine block beneath the intake manifold assembly. The oil manifold consists of four electrically operated and normally-closed solenoids (2). Each solenoid directs the flow of pressurized engine oil to the DoD intake and exhaust valve lifters (5). The oil pressure relief valve (6), located in the left rear area of the oil pan, regulates engine oil pressure to the lubrication system and the oil manifold.
When enabling conditions are met for DoD operation, the PCM will ground each solenoid control circuit in firing order sequence, allowing current to flow through the solenoid windings. With the windings energized, the solenoid valves open and direct pressurized engine oil through the manifold into eight vertical passages in the engine block lifter valley. The eight vertical passages, two per cylinder, direct pressurized oil to the valve lifter bores of the cylinders to be deactivated. When vehicle operating conditions require a return to V8 mode, the PCM will turn OFF the ground circuit for the solenoids, allowing the solenoid valves to close. When the solenoid valves are closed, remaining oil pressure is exhausted through the bleed passages of the manifold into the engine block lifter valley. The housing of the oil manifold incorporates several oil bleed passages that continually purge trapped air from the manifold and engine block.
To help control contamination within the DoD hydraulic system, a small replaceable oil filter (4) is located in the manifold oil inlet passage. The oil pressure sensor (3) monitors engine oil pressure and provides information to the PCM.
Displacement on Demand Valve Lifters (http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/dod_oil_path.htm#ss3-1417658)


http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/images/lifter.jpg


When operating in V8 mode, the DoD valve lifters function similar to the non-DoD valve lifters. The DoD oil manifold solenoids are in the closed position with no pressurized oil directed to the valve lifters. The pushrod (1) travels upward and downward to actuate the rocker arm and valve. The spring loaded locking pins (5) of the lifter are extended outward and mechanically lock the pin housing (4) to the outer body of the valve lifter (3).
When the DoD system is commanded ON, the PCM will direct the solenoids of the oil manifold to open and direct pressurized oil to the valve lifters. Oil travels through the manifold and engine block oil galleries and enters the inlet port (6) of the valve lifter.
When operating in V4 mode, pressurized oil forces the locking pins (11) inward. The pushrod (7) remains in a constant position and does not travel upward and downward. The outer body of the lifter (9) moves upward and downward independently from the pin housing (10). The valve lifter spring (8) retains tension on the valve train components to eliminate valve train noise.
When the DoD system is commanded OFF, the PCM directs the solenoids of the oil manifold to close, stopping the flow of pressurized oil to the valve lifters. The oil pressure within the lifter will decrease and the locking pins will move outward to mechanically lock the pin housing and outer body.
Engine Block (http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/dod_oil_path.htm#ss4-1417658)


http://www.fastfieros.com/tech/images/enginegalley.jpg


The DoD engine block incorporates additional features to support DoD system operation. Engine oil pressure is routed to the manifold assembly from an oil gallery (2) in the rear of the cylinder block. Cylinders one, four, six, and seven each have two vertical, cast-in-block oil passages (1). The vertical oil passages permit oil flow from the manifold assembly to the valve lifter bores.

Just recently I took to looking when I start the truck up and I have noticed a puff of smoke every so often out of the tail pipe.I asked this oil burning question about this truck with this engine because I have had older vehicles in the past and recognize the symptoms of bad valve seals or slack rings but wasn't figuring this engine would have either of those issues as it only has about 70000 kms on it.

I know every engine is different some smoke from day one some never burn a drop of oil but I didn't know if there could be other causes to the oil use I'm seeing like a bad PVC valve or some other issues.I have to take the truck back to the dealer in a week or so to have a couple of bad hinges replaced and a faulty power folding mirror fixed so I will get the mechanics to check for some of these things to see if anything shows up.

based on my study of this defect, ths design causes the piston rings to get carboned up , sticking. then you get the oil consumption.

the cure is , some say , is to remove this carbon. oil additives seem to help breakdown this carbon formation . with deactivation of the DOD/AFM this should complete the cure.

Much appreciated thanks.I guess that's one more thing to talk to the mechanic about.What would a person need for a programmer to deactivate this system?I would assume it will take one of the high end ones or a dealer to do this?

Just recently I took to looking when I start the truck up and I have noticed a puff of smoke every so often out of the tail pipe.I asked this oil burning question about this truck with this engine because I have had older vehicles in the past and recognize the symptoms of bad valve seals or slack rings but wasn't figuring this engine would have either of those issues as it only has about 70000 kms on it.

I know every engine is different some smoke from day one some never burn a drop of oil but I didn't know if there could be other causes to the oil use I'm seeing like a bad PVC valve or some other issues.I have to take the truck back to the dealer in a week or so to have a couple of bad hinges replaced and a faulty power folding mirror fixed so I will get the mechanics to check for some of these things to see if anything shows up.

Good morning 327chevy,

I see that you've already gotten some great feedback and that you already have a mechanic you go to for vehicle concerns; if you had wanted to speak with our customer service for your region, GM of Canada can be reached at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).

All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

The greater the HP = more vacuum
Picture a Kirby vacuum on a bad PCV system, more gases/oil are going back into the intake to be burned.

Solution -
Oil catch can + External PCV filter.

What would be a good oil additive to add so the carbon buildup in the rings would be dissolved,assuming that this is part of my problem?Seafoam makes a fuel additive that cleans the intake and fuel system,would this work for what was described above in one of the replies?

Good morning 327chevy,

I see that you've already gotten some great feedback and that you already have a mechanic you go to for vehicle concerns; if you had wanted to speak with our customer service for your region, GM of Canada can be reached at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).

All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

Thanks Sarah
Perhaps you could answer another question I have in regards to my issues with my truck.I purchased the Optimum 24/24 warranty when I bought the truck but if I do perhaps get the DOD system deactivated would this affect any part of my warranty coverage?

Thanks Sarah
Perhaps you could answer another question I have in regards to my issues with my truck.I purchased the Optimum 24/24 warranty when I bought the truck but if I do perhaps get the DOD system deactivated would this affect any part of my warranty coverage?

Good morning,

Is the Optimum 24/24 a General Motors Protection Plan (GMPP) or from a different service contract company? You can find more information about GMPPs in Canada at the following website: http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/services/protection-plan/overview

As there are differences between the United States plans and the Canadian plans, I don't to misinform you due to my lack of knowledge on the Canadian plans. Your dealership would be best able to answer questions about whether or not any changes to your vehicle would affect coverage.

Sarah, GM Customer Service

Trucks going to the dealer tomorrow and hopefully I will have an answer of some kind to explain the oil usage.I had to add oil to it again the other day and that would make it around 3 litres of oil in about 6000kms that this engine is burning.If I don't get some king of explanation as to what may be the cause I'll be one unhappy customer and my dealer will be seeing me a lot until this problem is rectified to my satisfaction.

Trucks going to the dealer tomorrow and hopefully I will have an answer of some kind to explain the oil usage.I had to add oil to it again the other day and that would make it around 3 litres of oil in about 6000kms that this engine is burning.If I don't get some king of explanation as to what may be the cause I'll be one unhappy customer and my dealer will be seeing me a lot until this problem is rectified to my satisfaction.

the use of 3 liters of oil in 3600miles would be at the amount GM may say it is still not excessive.

the dealership will blame GM for not helping you with this.

like I stated before this is what happens with these DOD engine management engines. lots of internet info on this design flaw.

lets say GM installs a new engine for you. in 30-40,ooomi its just gonna suck up the oil like now. report back if they will replace the engine . a lot of owners will be quite interested.

Got a call this afternoon from one of the guys that book vehicles for service in the service bays and he tells me that I am to bring the truck in every 1000kms or so to have the oil use monitored by them,I guess my word isn't any good.He says that it's most likely something to do with the baffle under the valvepan and the oil building up when it's running on 4 cyls and not draining properly.They just can't come out and admit that there's a problem with this design they are making people (me) jump through hoops in order to get this fixed.What a pain in the ass,and with gas the price it is who gets to pay for all these trips back and forth to the dealer?Yeah!!

The dealer has to follow GM's rules, which include a oil comsumption test, before any further action can be taken. I'm sure the dealer is well aware of the problems with that eng, but they need to follow certain proceedures if they hope to be reimbursed from GM on any repairs they may make.

The dealer has to follow GM's rules, which include a oil comsumption test, before any further action can be taken. I'm sure the dealer is well aware of the problems with that eng, but they need to follow certain proceedures if they hope to be reimbursed from GM on any repairs they may make.

you are so correct with that statement. GM dealer said the same thing to me when I had a new 700mi chevrolet with a power steering fluid leak.

ended up damaging the power steering pump because the seal on the pulley was with a cut in it.

he could be draining the engine oil out just so he can go threw this B/S !

lets face the facts this is just a stall tactic.

the dealer should take the vehicle and run errands with it for 1000KM to prove :sarcasmsign:whats going on with the oil useage .

when i had a problem with the truck when it was warm, i took it to the dealer. they could not find it. they would only drive it around the block after it had cooled off. it took me 3 months driving it to the dealer then having the tech get in the truck then taking off with him in the truck. to get it good and warm then the truck would do its studier. the hole time he was complaining. the hold deal ended up being them righting it up they found out it would do what i said it was doing it but they could not find out why. i took it home did what i told them to do. check the distributor cap out. every 10 k miles i need to replace the distributor cap, there design is bad and it burns a hole in it.

when i asked them why they would not drive it more than around the block. there insurance would not cover them taking a customers truck off the lot. so they will not do any testing that must be done on the road.